Christmas in July, Tutty Baker Festival and more: 11 things to do in Freeport this weekend
The second weekend of July offers a variety of family fun activities in the Freeport area, including the return of the Tutty Baker Festival.
Here are 11 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area:
Tutty Baker Fest
What: Tutty Baker Fest is a three-day event named after Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker. The weekend features live music, a carnival, craft and vendor show, fireworks and plenty more.
When: 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: Downtown Freeport
Cost: Free admission
For more: facebook.com/tuttybakerfest/
More: Heading to Freeport's Tutty Baker Festival? Here's a day-by-day breakdown of events
Blue Steel 815: Music on Chicago
What: Music on Chicago is an outdoor live music concert and fundraiser for Greater Freeport Partnership. Local food vendors are available for dinner options and volunteers serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the event.
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: Freeport Art Plaza, 11-15 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: $5
For more: greaterfreeport.com/visit/events/
Christmas in July
What: Shop from your favorite vendors, including flea market vendors, all under one roof.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
For more: Jodi, 815-218-4793
Miles Nielsen
What: 3 On the Tree will join Miles Nielsen to perform at the amphitheater. Tickets will be available at the gate only. No outside food or drink will be allowed, and the venue is a cash only venue.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 8 (gates open at 6 p.m.)
Where: The Rhythm Section Amphitheater, 13137 IL-78, Mount Carroll
For more: facebook.com/rhythmsectionamphitheater
Michael Charles
What: A concert led by Grammy elected Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Australian born artist Michael Charles, who will take you on a guitar driven journey through thirty-nine years and forty releases of original contemporary blues, rock and soulful ballads.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Massbach Ridge Winery, 8837 S. Massbach Road, Elizabeth
For more: massbachridge.com/
Freeport Hot Rods Car Show
What: Classics, customs and old school car show will provide prizes for best in class, best engine, best interior, best paint and best in show. The show will be part of the Tutty Baker Festival.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Downtown Freeport
Cost: $20 participant registration ($15 in advance); free for spectators
For more: freeporthotrods@gmail.com
9th Annual Riddick's Ride Bike Run
What: An all-day motorcycle ride includes stops along the way while enjoying scenic views to the final destination. All street vehicles welcome. The Riddick's Ride Bike Run started in 2015 and one of the stops on the run is where 3-year-old Riddick was laid to rest. Some of the things you can expect at this event is breakfast, bar hopping, raffles, lunch and entertainment. Riddick’s Ride Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization, assisting families with children living with rare and/or complex medical conditions.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Logan’s, 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport
For more: riddicksride.org
Rock City Market & Music
What: Come enjoy some great outdoor music, food and drinks in the bar's new pavilion. Sophie Coyote starts at 4 p.m., with The Just 4 Fun Band performing at 5 p.m. No outside food/drink allowed. No pets allowed. This is a cash-only venue.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Rock City Barn, 7555 IL Route 75 E., Rock City
Cost: No cover charge
For more: 815-541-2704
Music Under the Stars
What: Music Under the Stars is a concert by the Freeport Concert Band, featuring a variety of music and covering many different genres and composers. Kevin Jensen conducts this week’s concert, featuring vocalist Ryan Jensen and bass trombone soloist Davis Tallacksen.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: Koenig Bandshell, Krape Park, Freeport
Cost: Free
For more: greaterfreeport.com/visit/events/
Just 4 Fun Band
What: This week’s Sunday Funday performer is the Just 4 Fun Band. Get food from The Rafters Restaurant, Catering & Events and have it delivered to you.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: Lena Brewing Co., 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena
For more: 815-369-2588
Live on Stage: Rockabilly Kid
What: The Rockabilly Kid performs Rockabilly, '50s and '60s rock and roll up on the pontoon boat stage. Come dressed for the time period, if you like.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: Bobber’s Tap, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Cost: No cover charge
For more: 815-291-2486
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Christmas in July, Tutty Baker fest among 11 things to do in Freeport
